As a janitor or custodian, your workday involves a wide range of tasks and potential hazards. One day you may be handling strong cleaning chemicals; the next, working around energized electrical equipment. Your responsibilities—and the risks you face—can change daily, especially during special events or schedule adjustments. Being prepared for these changing conditions is essential, and that’s where proper training comes in.

This training brings together the most common hazards encountered in custodial work to help you stay safe while continuing to provide reliable, high-quality service throughout a long and productive career.

Consider a typical day shift. You arrive early to open your building, coordinating briefly with the night shift as they head out. Fortunately, there were no overnight emergencies—no leaks, break-ins, or accidents. You check HVAC and lighting systems, then prepare your cleaning cart with paper products, chemicals, and personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and safety goggles. While making your rounds, you notice water pooling near a dehumidifier. You avoid the water, unplug the unit, move it safely away from the wall, and clean up the spill.

In just this short scenario, you’ve encountered slip and fall risks, electrical hazards, and ergonomic concerns—and the day is only beginning. Throughout your shift, you may also face chemical exposures, material handling risks, emergency situations, spills, or even workplace violence. Because custodians support nearly every aspect of a facility, this training is designed to address your unique safety needs.

Thank you for the essential work you do every day.

Objectives

• Apply first aid techniques and bloodborne pathogen precautions

• Safely lift and handle materials using proper ergonomic principles

• Identify chemical and material hazards

• Work safely around electrical and other common job hazards

• Prepare for emergencies, violent incidents, and spills

• Support safe operation of equipment